In determining the evaluation and management (E/M) services level, would a patient whose condition is

In determining the evaluation and management (E/M) services level, would a patient whose condition is newly diagnosed for the first time at the visit be considered a chronic condition and can a sudden increase of symptoms in a very short duration before the visit be considered an exacerbation? For example, if a patient presents with vastly increased knee pain in the past 2 weeks and the provider orders X rays of the patient's knee and then diagnoses the patient with osteoarthritis, would this example be considered a chronic condition with exacerbation?

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CPT Knowledgebase - Nov 6, 2025